The wait is finally over and the Premier League season is here for another nine months of highs and lows, twists and turns.
For Crystal Palace, the new campaign is a symbol of hope and optimism, with Oliver Glasner’s early stint a potential prologue to the season ahead.
With some fantastic form, an entertaining style of play and some star players at his disposal, the Crystal Palace manager has all the ingredients for an impressive season.
On the other hand, there have been some key losses in the transfer market, plenty of the squad arrived late to pre-season and any momentum may have been stifled during the break.
So with plenty to ponder, and lots of optimism thrown in with reality, the journey starts once against for the Eagles.
So with that said, the We Are Palace writers have tried their hand at predicting the season ahead for the Selhurst Park outfit.
- READ MORE: Crystal Palace confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
Where will Crystal Palace finish in the Premier League this season?
Billy Meyers – 7th
The 2024/25 campaign feels nicely poised for Crystal Palace to finally do something special as a Premier League outfit – whether that be winning a domestic cup competition, or qualifying for Europe with a top-seven finish.
There has admittedly been a major blow in the departure of Michael Olise, although the presence of Oliver Glasner in the dugout at Selhurst Park should outweigh any qualms about the playing staff – for example, the Austrian had Nathaniel Clyne playing like Virgil van Dijk last season – so the quality of our coaches should ease any worries about recruitment.
If we can avoid any severe injuries to key players in the first half of the season, I am backing Crystal Palace to secure a seventh-place finish and finally secure a place in Europe – after 11 relatively uneventful years back in the Premier League.
Jonny Maze – 9th
So heading into the 2024/25 season, Crystal Palace fans will be more confident than ever before of seeing their side grab European qualification.
This confidence is built primarily on the magnificent run of results at the end of last season – and also due to the ambition of Oliver Glasner.
However, it is important to temper expectations slightly considering this summer has seen Michael Olise depart, with potentially more to come. Meanwhile, the replacements have not been of the same quality.
That being said, battering both West Ham and Wolves in preseason will undoubtedly have filled fans with confidence.
Palace won’t be in any relegation danger this season, but it does feel like Europe might be a bridge too far for the Eagles this coming season.
Luke Thrower – 9th
It’s poised to be an interesting season for Crystal Palace, where you could easily view the glass half empty as much as it is half full.
Oliver Glasner’s system should ease any relegation concerns, even if many don’t believe the pace he set at the end of last campaign can be sustained.
There are some exciting signings, but key departures potentially stunt the Eagles from doing even better than they could do.
It certainly feels like this season will be a step in the right direction, but those European places may be just too far to reach.
Who will be Crystal Palace top scorer?
Billy Meyers: Jean-Philippe Mateta
With 18 goals in his last 18 games, I would be very surprised if anybody other than Jean-Philippe Mateta ends the 2024/25 campaign as Crystal Palace’s top scorer.
Jonny Maze: Daichi Kamada
While there may be more popular options such as Ebere Eze or Jean-Philippe Mateta, I think based on pre-season Daichi Kamada could be a real option to finish as the Eagles’ top scorer.
He has already bagged a few against elite opposition on tour and seems to be a real danger man for Oliver Glasner.
Luke Thrower: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Jean-Philippe Mateta has become a real outlet for Crystal Palace over the past season, exploding under Oliver Glasner to new heights.
While there will be questions over whether he can sustain those same levels, it’s tough to look beyond the centre-forward as the prime finisher up front.
Who will be Crystal Palace’s breakout player?
Billy Meyers: Franco Umeh
I think Franco Umeh could have a breakthrough season this term.
The Irish youngster has already impressed in pre-season with a lovely header against Nantes at Selhurst Park, and reports suggest Oliver Glasner thinks he can mould him into a top wing-back.
Keep an eye on the 19-year-old.
Jonny Maze: Franco Umeh
Picking a breakout star is tricky for Palace given much of the squad is established already.
But based on his pre-season cameos, no backup right-back could lead to a golden opportunity for Franco Umeh.
He impressed in this role against Crawley and there is no reason he can’t pick up minutes there this season, particularly in the cups.
Luke Thrower: Franco Umeh
With such a deep squad at his disposal, it’s tough to see where Oliver Glasner will have room to bring through a youngster from the Crystal Palace academy.
Other youth-rank players such as David Ozoh, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Joe Whitworth have already sealed loans in the EFL.
So for this reason, I believe Franco Umeh has the best shot at being a breakthrough talent in a wing-back role.
The Eagles do have fewer options in these positions and should injury, suspension or general fitness concerns arrive, Umeh may have the opportunity to shine.
- READ MORE: Crystal Palace transfer rumours: Every player linked to and from Selhurst Park this summer
Who will be the best Crystal Palace signing this summer?
Billy Meyers: Daichi Kamada
Daichi Kamada looks to be a superb footballer, and I can see him becoming a real hit in the Premier League.
Jonny Maze: Daichi Kamada
Of the three to have joined this summer so far, Kamada is by far the most exciting and also the one most likely to have a strong impact on the Palace season during 2024/25.
I expect Glasner to rely on Kamada more and more during this season and it would not be a shock to see the Japan international ranked along with Eze for importance this time next year.
Luke Thrower: Ismaila Sarr
While Daichi Kamada is one I am excited to watch, I believe that Ismaila Sarr could be looked back on as a bargain replacement for Michael Olise.
The winger has shown impressive signs with Watford in the Premier League in the past and could prove to be an impressive long-term signing.
- READ MORE: Who is Daichi Kamada? Get to know the new Crystal Palace star reuniting with Oliver Glasner
Which Crystal Palace player are you most excited to watch this season?
Billy Meyers: Adam Wharton
I cannot wait to see how Adam Wharton performs this season, after a summer in which he spent time with England’s best footballers at UEFA Euro 2024, and also gained a better understanding of Glasner’s setup throughout pre-season.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he made himself a £100m player by this time next summer.
Jonny Maze: Eberechi Eze
If Eze stays at Palace this summer, there are few who won’t be picking him as the most exciting player to watch this season at Selhurst Park.
As we draw closer to the transfer window closing, we are getting more and more confident that he will stay. So fingers crossed he stays and stays fit too.
Luke Thrower: Jean-Philippe Mateta
If I could, I would pick every player as I believe Crystal Palace could have a very exciting year ahead, based on how last season ended.
However, if I have to pick one, then I am very intrigued to see how Jean-Philippe Mateta performs this season.
His all-round play and goal-scoring feats skyrocketed last year and it will be a real challenge to hit those expectations.
Mateta seems like a different player entirely and if he keeps it up, he could comfortably seal himself as one of the best in the Premier League – he really can be that good.
